Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-01

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Nowadays, many medical research projects are funded by private companies. In your opinion, do you think that research should be carried by private companies, individuals or government?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 7.5)

Medical research plays a crucial role in improving public health, and it is increasingly being funded by private companies. While private organisations and individuals can make valuable contributions, I believe that governments should take primary responsibility for conducting and funding medical research, as this ensures that public health rather than commercial profit remains the main priority.

There are several reasons why private companies should not be solely responsible for medical research. Firstly, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are businesses whose fundamental objective is to generate profit. Consequently, they may prioritise research into conditions that affect large populations or can generate substantial financial returns, while less profitable diseases may receive insufficient attention. Secondly, private companies may be reluctant to make their findings fully available if doing so could undermine their competitive advantage. This could restrict the sharing of scientific knowledge and slow down medical progress.

By contrast, governments are better positioned to fund research according to society's overall needs. They can allocate resources to areas that may have little commercial value but are nevertheless essential for public health. For example, research into rare diseases, vaccines and treatments for neglected illnesses may not offer pharmaceutical companies sufficient financial incentives. Government-funded institutions can also establish strict ethical standards and ensure that research is conducted transparently and that its benefits are accessible to the wider population.

That said, private companies and individuals should certainly be encouraged to participate. Their investment can provide additional funding, promote innovation and accelerate the development of new medicines and technologies. The most effective approach, therefore, would be a partnership between governments and the private sector, with governments setting priorities and regulations while companies contribute expertise, investment and technological innovation.

In conclusion, although private organisations have an important role to play, governments should remain primarily responsible for medical research because they are better able to protect public interests and address areas that may otherwise be neglected.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between profit-driven motives of private companies and the public health focus of government-funded research. You provide relevant examples, such as the mention of rare diseases and neglected illnesses, which effectively support your argument. The conclusion synthesizes your points well, and the inclusion of a balanced view—acknowledging the role of private partnerships—demonstrates a sophisticated approach to the task. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question regarding who should be responsible for medical research.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between the arguments against private funding and the benefits of government intervention is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Consequently,' 'By contrast,' and 'That said,' which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The flow of information is natural, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive linking. The logical structure supports the development of your argument perfectly.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the academic context. Phrases such as 'fundamental objective,' 'undermine their competitive advantage,' and 'neglected illnesses' show a high level of precision and control. You use less common lexical items naturally and accurately. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is sophisticated without being forced. The vocabulary effectively conveys complex ideas regarding ethics, economics, and public policy, which is appropriate for an IELTS Band 8 level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You use complex sentences effectively, such as the conditional structure in the second paragraph ('if doing so could undermine...') and the balanced compound-complex sentences in the conclusion. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no significant grammatical errors. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and modal verbs is consistent. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

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